Housing First Coordinator

**_**Indigenous Women are encouraged to apply. First preference will be given to all qualified Indigenous applicants.**_**

**Why make ONWA your career choice?**

**_
Make a difference in the lives of Indigenous peoples by supporting and advocating for positive change. ONWA prides itself on providing all employees with a total rewards package that is generous and supports our workforce and their family members:_**
- Competitive salaries
- Generous paid vacation time
- Paid time off at Christmas above paid vacation time
- Additional paid stat and civic holidays
- 35 hour work week
- Comprehensive benefits program including health, paramedical, dental, vision and EAP. All premiums covered by the employer.
- Healthcare Spending Account and Lifestyle Spending Account
- Competitive Retirement Savings Plan up to 16% with organization match pending position
- Paid sick days
- Paid cultural/personal wellness days
- Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
- Ongoing professional development.
- Possible reimbursement on portion of cell phone and internet expenses
- Remote/hybrid work offered for various positions

**VISION**:
At the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), we celebrate and honour the safety and healing of Indigenous Women and Girls as they take up their leadership roles in the family, community, provincially, nationally and internationally for generations to come.

**SCOPE**:
The **Housing First Coordinator** is fully versed on the Housing First Approach and Rapid Rehousing. They will coordinate the foundation of the program by networking, establishing and building relationships with community service providers, landlords and community members. The Housing First Coordinator will advocate the program, coach and educate community members to create a network of support for Indigenous people who are at risk of being homeless there by providing further supports in the areas of housing; acting as advocates with Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, the court system, schools and medical services as Indigenous people strive for personal recovery, to maintain their families and live their best lives.

The Nihdawin Program advocates and supports Indigenous people 16 years of age or older who are or at imminent risk of homelessness in the community of Thunder Bay. Priority is given to Indigenous people who are at a greater risk of losing their children to the child welfare system and or who are at a greater risk of becoming in conflict with the law due to homelessness.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Post-secondary diploma/degree in social work, Indigenous learning, women’s studies with a minimum three to five (3-5) years’ work experience in community service delivery.
- Extensive knowledge of the Housing First Approach and the Rapid Re-Housing model.
- Knowledge of criminal justice system.
- Proven experience working with vulnerable persons and knowledge of victims’ issues surrounding housing and homelessness, poverty, mental health and addictions.
- Strong communicator - excellent written, oral, and facilitation skills.
- Experience in Community Member advocacy with demonstrated experience providing services to Indigenous families and/or communities.
- Knowledge of and relationships with other service agencies, ability to network and establish/maintain these relationships.
- Must be dependable, able to follow instructions, respond to management direction and be able to improve performance through management feedback.
- Capacity to solve problems and to see different perspectives.
- Ability to plan, organize and manage time effectively.
- Highly motivated individual with the ability to work with mínimal supervision.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills and an ability to follow through on assigned duties independently with strict deadlines.
- Knowledge of Not-For Profit Organizations
- Proficient working knowledge of MS Office Software, internet, and general office equipment.
- Ability to travel.
- Reliable vehicle, appropriate vehicle insurance coverage and valid Ontario “G” class driver’s license.
- Current, valid vulnerable sector criminal records check. Valid 1st Aid/CPR.
- A cellular phone and internet access is required within this position
- Must be willing and able to work a flexible working from home arrangement if required. This may include a combination of virtual remote work in your home and in office arrangements. This will be based on operational needs and will be determined by the ONWA.
- Ability to speak an Indigenous Language is considered an asset.
- _ONWA is committed on implementing measures to protect its community members, staff, and other stakeholders from COVID-19. As a result, ONWA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy. Exemptions will be made for those with a valid medical exemption; proof of the exemption will be required_

**KEY CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED**:

- **Inter-cultural Competency Informed** - Understands to incorporate a